Preaching Classes

In an ideal world we would have the time and resources to send all our young people off to a sound theological seminary to receive full-time instruction in all matters relating to the biblical Church. The reality is of course that this is simply not feasible. Furthermore there is good scriptural heritage in personal mentoring.

Famous painting of Latimer preaching to Edward VI We celebrate the heritage of strong bible colleges. At the same time, we look to the future and to the need for a contingency in our preaching arrangements.

With this in view, Grace Baptist Church Peel has from time to time convened programmes of preaching classes for the younger adult male members.

The last programme was run about 7 years ago and we are grateful for the fruit which is now shown as young men in the church are able to minister the Word handed down during the time when our pastor was still with us.

These have included guidance on different ways of approaching a text and how to deal with emergency preaching situations.

How does this affect the ladies?

Women have clear scriptural warrant for holding certain positions of responsibility within Christ's Church. The name of Phoebe the deaconness springs to mind, along with that of Priscilla, who partnered her husband Aquila, in guiding Apollos into that "more perfect way". Comparing scripture in context with other scripture, we also see them performing vital roles in children's/womens ministries and missionary work.

However a line has to be drawn in the place that God's infallible Word already draws it. The biblical roles of men and women in the Church contrast greatly with the mainstream of 21st Century Western thinking. This is a massive subject in itself, but for the purposes of ministering God's Word in general meetings, let us say:

  • The Apostle Paul forbids women to have headship over (adult) men in the church. [ref 1 Co 11:3]
  • He goes on to legislate against their speaking during the formal service [ref 1 Co 14:34, 1 Ti 2:12]
  • In the verse following he reinforces this statement by even calling it a "shame" on the fellowship.
  • What St Paul has spoken, and is now in our New Testament, was said by the power of the Holy Spirit
  • Being "breathed" by the Holy Spirit which changeth not, it over-rides any standards of the present day.